I know a young divorced woman with two small children -- they all live
with the young woman's parents in the parent's home in Royersford,
Montgomery County, PA.  The woman has a modest-paying 9-5 secretarial
job in the area.
Her ex-husband, who has a small home in Bustleton, near Phila., PA, is
suing this woman for custody of her two children, claiming that she is
an unfit mother.  The woman cannot afford the normal fees of a lawyer,
yet needs legal assistance to attempt to keep her children.  Question:
Can you provide the names and possibly telephone nos. of some
charitable or govt.-sponsored organizations or groups where this woman
could obtain free or moderately priced legal assistance?  Thank you in
advance for your help.

Dear frank2,

The first place to try is Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
(LASP).
http://www.lasp.org/index.cfm

LASP provides free legal representation to low-income (eligible)
clients in a variety of civil matters including custody cases.
Eligibilty is determined by monthly income, assets, the size of the
family, where you reside and the type of legal problem you have.

CONTACT: 

LASP Legal Aid Offices Montgomery County (2)
http://www.lasp.org/locations.cfm

1. Pottstown Office
248 King Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
Phone: 610.326.8280
Fax: 610-326-8282

2. Norristown Office
317 Swede Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Phone: 610.275.5400
Fax: 610.275.5406

The second place to contact is COMMUNITY IMPACT LEGAL SERVICES (CILS):
Carolyn Johnson, Executive Director
(610) 436-9150 
carolynjohnson@rcn.com
14 East Biddle Street
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 436-9150
Toll Free: (800) 967-9150
Fax: (610) 436-9890
http://www.palegalservices.org/finder/south_east_pa.htm

For those who do not qualify for legal aid, contact:

Montgomery Bar Association
Legal Access Project
1-800-560-LAW1

Montgomery Bar Association
Lawyer Referral Service
610) 279-9660 ext., 201 

Additional Links:

Pennsylvania Legal Services programs:
http://www.lehighlegal.org/links/linkdel.htm

Custody Links:
http://members.tripod.com/shellyscene/ncmlinks.htm

Law Library of Montgomery County
Court House--PO BOX 311
Norristown PA  19404-0311
Phone: (610) 278-3806   Fax: (610) 278-5998
Email: dmines@mail.montcopa.org
http://www.montcopa.org/llmc/libraryserv.htm

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please post a
clarification request before rating my answer. I sincerely hope
everything goes well for your friend.

Thank you,
hummer

Search Terms:

pennsylvania "legal aid"
pennsylvania "legal aid" southeastern
custody pennsylvania "legal aid" southeastern
custody pennsylvania "legal aid" montgomery

The answer provided by hummer-ga was comprehensive and very helpful. 
Thanks very much!

Dear frank2,

Your welcome! Thank you for your thank you, very good rating and nice
tip - all are appreciated. Good luck.

Sincerely, 
hummer